Hong Kong government 'does not agree' with Moody's rating - Leader Carrie Lam

Reuters - Hong Kong's leader on Tuesday (September 17) said "we do not agree" with Moody's move after the credit rating company changed its outlook on the China-ruled city to negative from stable. Lam said the government does not agree with the justification of the assessment to downgrade Hong Kong's ratings, and insisted the city's fundamentals remain robust. Lam said she would engage directly with her governing team in a dialogue with the community next week, adding that the sessions would be as open as possible, with members of the public able to sign up to attend. In the same news conference, Lam also defended the actions of the police which has drawn criticism from local reporters and protesters on using excessive violence. The protest movement opposing a contentious extradition bill that would have allowed individuals convicted of a crime in China to be sent there for trial has since morphed into a broader anti-government movement pushing for greater freedom and democracy in the China-ruled city. Over 1400 people have been arrested by the police so far.